Decision delayed on beer permit for bed-and-breakfast operation in Bartlett

The latest battle on a Bartlett bed-and-breakfast plan is whether operators can have a city license to sell beer at the accompanying reception hall.

Nearby residents, who fought the transformation of historic Cedar Hall into an inn, really don't like the idea of the business serving alcoholic beverages in their Ellendale-area neighborhood.

The questions raised by residents and a desire for City Atty. Ed McKenney to review the matter led the suburb's Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday to table the discussion at least two weeks.

Denise Suthoff received a special use permit in October to operate the bed-and-breakfast inn, along with a wedding chapel and reception hall, at the historic house on Broadway north of U.S. 70. Some residents opposed the concept, saying it meant allowing a business to operate in the neighborhood, and objected to the extra traffic it would generate on two-lane Broadway.

With the approval, Suthoff had to return to the Bartlett Beer Board, composed of Mayor Keith McDonald and the city's six aldermen, for a permit to sell beer at the reception hall.

Suthoff's return meant the return of opponents to fight the idea. Some said there were city laws in place that would be contrary to the activities at the reception hall. Others talked about safety factors. Some wanted the operation to have an access onto U.S. 70, while a few residents said they didn't balk at the idea of the bed-and-breakfast, but didn't like beer sales.

Paul Wynne, who lives on Chatham Pond Circle North, said he didn't speak against the bed-and-breakfast inn, but he is "adamantly opposed to beer being sold in a residential (area)."

Fred Cooper, who lives near the property, said his concern is the precedent the beer sales would set. He also said the city already has laws on the books that could stymie the wedding reception operation.

"I think if it is passed by you guys, you at least ought to adhere to the laws that are on the books," Cooper said, later adding: "I absolutely oppose it. If it is passed under the present set of ordinances and laws, you would be in violation of three or four of those."

McKenney said the city "can't make an assumption" that laws will be violated, and thus turn down the permit. "There's no evidence before the board tonight that would indicate that there's a violation now of the ordinance."

Suthoff said she wanted to control the sale of beer at the reception hall rather than having the wedding party bring their own, which apparently would still be allowed if the permit is denied.

The board eventually agreed with Alderman Bobby Simmons' motion to table the matter until the Feb. 12 meeting.